Technical Procurement Manager / Buyer (f/m/d)

Our Mission

At Circus (Xetra :CA1), headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin and Hamburg, we are pioneering global developments in on-demand autonomous food production. Everything from creation to production and operation – enabled by seamlessly integrated cutting‑edge robotics and transformative AI technology.

Our foundation rests in the extensive developments of groundbreaking robotics driven by artificial intelligence, previously the missing link in achieving true autonomous food automation. This is the moment for a new status quo: Just as autonomous driving will disrupt how we build cities, organize our days, and live our lives, so will we shift our whole reality around food.

Our team is backing a paradigm shift in one of humanity’s most important sectors with the sharpest minds in robotics, AI, engineering and culinary, collaborating closely with industry‑leading partners to revolutionize every aspect of the food service experience.

Join us as we forge ahead, crafting a future where the art of cooking and the science of technology converge to create a world that thinks differently about food than it has for thousands of years—a world where food means something new.

About the Role

As our Technical Procurement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our R&D and product development activities. You will take full ownership of the end‑to‑end procurement process for critical robotic cell components and related systems, driving sourcing excellence in a complex, innovation‑driven environment.

With a strong technical understanding, you’ll collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams—including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics automation, and culinary development—to align procurement strategies with our ambitious innovation goals.

You are not just a buyer—you are a strategic partner who thrives in a fast‑paced, highly technical environment and brings outstanding communication, negotiation, and leadership skills to the table.

Your Daily Business

• Own and continuously develop the procurement strategy for key robotic and automation components.
• Lead supplier identification, selection, auditing, and performance evaluation for technically complex components.
• Act as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal R&D teams—translating technical requirements and drawings into sourcing outcomes.
• Read and interpret technical drawings to ensure accuracy and supplier alignment.
• Negotiate pricing, contract terms, and delivery conditions to achieve the best balance of cost, quality, and lead time.
• Lead RFQ, cost analysis, and benchmarking processes to ensure competitiveness and transparency.
• Manage supplier escalations related to delays, quality, or compliance, working hand‑in‑hand with engineering teams.
• Continuously scout and assess new technologies, materials, and suppliers to drive innovation and cost efficiency.
• Ensure accurate and efficient ERP data handling and proactively drive process and system improvements.
• Oversee logistics coordination and customs compliance, collaborating closely with shipping and logistics partners.
• Enable rapid prototyping and agile hardware development through flexible, reliable supply‑chain execution.

Base Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business Administration (or similar technical background).
• 5+ years of experience in technical procurement, ideally within robotics, automation, or automotive.
• Strong technical affinity and ability to discuss complex technical specifications and drawings confidently with engineers.
• Proven track record in negotiation, supplier management, and strategic sourcing.
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP or similar) and process optimization.
• Hands‑on, proactive, and solution‑oriented mindset with strong ownership.
• Fluent in German (native‑level) and excellent English (written and spoken).

Our Offer

• Competitive Compensation : Receive a competitive compensation package with offered stock options for full‑time employees.
• Work‑Life Balance : Enjoy regular team events, a hybrid work setup, 2 months / year remote work (Worcation), and unlimited vacation days, along with a corporate pension plan.
• Personal Development : 500€ personal budget for training, in‑house trainings, and growth opportunities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Mobility : Benefit from a 50€ monthly budget for mobility or other expenses and a subsidized Dance Mobility Subscription for E‑Bike / E‑Moped.
• Well‑Being : Get access to discounted Urban Sports Club membership and Wellhub for a variety of well‑being offerings.